Which Blu-Ray Player to Get?

[Lucifer666]

First off, I do apologise if this is the wrong section. I couldn't really find a more fitting one, so mods, feel free to move it if you need to.

So I've had an HDTV in my bedroom for quite a while, and, up until the Wii U, I've never had any HD device connected to it. Typical Nintendo quality, the Wii U does *not* play movies and videos via the SD card, USB, or disc slots. In fact besides browser streaming (which is limited to the H264 MP4 format only), the Wii U's OS is quite limited in terms of what it can do aside from retail and eShop titles.

I'm currently looking for a cost-effective device that can play Blu-Ray discs (and DVDs, obviously), as well as stream from the most popular services (YouTube, Netflix), and also stream from my laptop in a user-friendly manner. I've been considering the Panasonic DMP-BDT220, whose price can range from around $100-$140; however, I'm still not 100% sure it supports streaming applications such as Plex to allow me to stream videos from my laptop/desktop. One last requirement: I'm also hoping the device is of acceptable size. The aforementioned device is a bit too big. The unit upon which my TV is placed is quite limited in space, so bear with me on this one.

I turn to the GBAtemp community in hopes of seeing what devices you can suggest. Note that I am already aware of devices such as the iOmega Screenplay DX and the Roku (which I have in my living room), but I find it critically important that the device I purchase does indeed play Blu-Rays and DVDs.

Thanks in advance everyone!

 

[Sicklyboy]

I'd say pick yourself up a Roku XS factory refurb (1saleaday.com/bensoutlet.com sell them for $50 or $60 usually, where I got mine) and pick up a cheap Bluray player on the side. I've not seen a Bluray player that you can install Plex on.

Alternatively, a Raspberry Pi and a USB Bluray drive. I'd be hard pressed to find something that does ALL of that without saying to just build a cheap HTPC for a few hundred. Streaming, easily less than $50. Bluray, about $60 if you grab a sale. But for both, I think you're gonna need more than one thing.

 

[raystriker]

Too lazy to read the above posts, but...why don't you just buy a ps3?

 

[Lucifer666]

I'd say pick yourself up a Roku XS factory refurb (1saleaday.com/bensoutlet.com sell them for $50 or $60 usually, where I got mine) and pick up a cheap Bluray player on the side. I've not seen a Bluray player that you can install Plex on.

Alternatively, a Raspberry Pi and a USB Bluray drive. I'd be hard pressed to find something that does ALL of that without saying to just build a cheap HTPC for a few hundred. Streaming, easily less than $50. Bluray, about $60 if you grab a sale. But for both, I think you're gonna need more than one thing.

Hm, I see. I'd imagine it's probably not the most cost-effective solution, and I also don't want to have to deal with one hell of a tangled mess of cables, but it's probably my easiest way out given my requirements. Thanks for that!

Looks like I'll have to widen my parameters, then. I just remembered my Wii U is capable of Netflix, YouTube, and so on, so really all I'm looking for right now is any affordable Blu-ray player that also supports local streaming, in any form (not necessarily Plex) so long as it's user-friendly enough.

Too lazy to read the above posts, but...why don't you just buy a ps3?

I did consider that, but I'm almost definitely sure I can get what I want for cheaper than a PS3.

 

[gusmento01]

Honestly, get one that plays SACD.

 

[nukeboy95]

well since your asking on gbatemp id say get a ps3

 

[Originality]

I was in a similar situation 2 years ago, getting a 42" HDTV for the family for Christmas. For a while my parents didn't see the point of it, so I bought a PS3 and a handful of BluRays and they finally could appreciate the difference.

As far as cost effectiveness, PS3 may be pricier than a standalone BR player but it also plays games, has NoobToob/NetFlix/w/e, and even now I've been playing Disgaea 4 on my PS3 (only picked it up a few weeks ago). I didn't just buy it for the movies but also for the games, and that makes it worth it. IMHO.

Now, if you can get a BR player that's also a DVR for recording TV, that's an entirely different story.

 

[emigre]

I'd agree with the others who said get a PS3. Blu-Ray player and games console. It works well as a media center (I can't comment on streaming) but I usually stick on some videos on a USB and roll that way. And the PS3 has got a lot of good games available for small prices particularly in the second hand market. So that would be killing two birds with one stone.